Victorian motorists have until Friday, July 31, 2026, to apply for a one-off registration rebate worth as much as $372 for two eligible vehicles.
The cost-of-living measure refunds 20 per cent of eligible registration fees paid for the 2025–26 financial year. Hastings MP Paul Mercurio said more than three million people had already claimed, but the payment is not automatic.
Victoria rego rebate: Key details
- Refund: 20 per cent of eligible registration fees
- Maximum: About $186 for one vehicle or $372 for two
- Eligible period: July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Vehicle limit: Two per eligible person
- Payment: Direct deposit into an Australian bank account
How much will drivers receive?
The advertised $372 is the maximum for one person claiming two eligible vehicles. A motorist with one vehicle may receive up to approximately $186.
The actual amount is 20 per cent of the registration fee paid. Registration charges vary by vehicle type and location, so some outer-metropolitan and rural drivers may receive less than the maximum.
The rebate applies only to eligible registration charges. It does not cover fuel, insurance, repairs, licence fees, fines or other vehicle expenses.
Who can claim the rebate?
An individual can apply if an eligible light vehicle was registered in their name during the period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Eligible vehicles include cars, station wagons, four-wheel drives, motorcycles, utes, light vans and light trucks weighing less than 4.5 tonnes.
Each person can claim for up to two vehicles registered in their name. The limit applies per person rather than per household, so two eligible adults may lodge separate claims for vehicles registered individually to them.
Business, organisation and commercial fleet registrations are excluded. Heavy vehicles weighing 4.5 tonnes or more and registrations beginning in the new financial year after July 1, 2026 are also ineligible.
Can instalment customers apply?
Yes. Drivers can claim whether they paid registration upfront or in instalments. They may still qualify if a final instalment is due after July 2026, provided the registration relates to the eligible 2025–26 period.
The relevant registration payment must be made through VicRoads. People who paid recently should apply before the deadline, although processing may take longer while the payment record is updated.
What applicants need
- A Service Victoria account
- The vehicle registration number
- A Victorian driver licence or VicRoads customer number
- The registered owner’s full name
- An Australian bank account number and BSB
The applicant’s name should match the VicRoads record. Banking details should be checked carefully because an incorrect BSB or account number may delay the refund.
How to apply through Service Victoria
Applications can be submitted through the official Service Victoria rego rebate service or its mobile app.
- Sign in to or create a Service Victoria account.
- Select the “20% off Rego” service.
- Enter the vehicle and registered owner’s details.
- Provide an Australian bank account number and BSB.
- Check the information and submit the claim.
Applicants should keep the confirmation email as evidence that their claim was lodged before the deadline.
When will the money arrive?
Most successful applications are expected to be processed within 30 days. The money will be deposited into the nominated bank account rather than deducted from a future registration renewal.
Claims may take longer when the vehicle was recently transferred, registration was paid after May 31, VicRoads records are being updated or the owner’s details require further verification.
Incorrect bank information can also cause delays. Applicants should not submit duplicate claims for the same vehicle unless Service Victoria specifically requests another application.
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Where can motorists get help?
Drivers can call Service Victoria on 132 842. Online help, translated information and support through participating community organisations are also available.
Western Port Community Support is assisting residents in Hastings, while Mercurio has said people can approach his electorate office for help completing an application.
Why the deadline matters
The rebate opened on June 1 as temporary cost-of-living relief, not a permanent reduction in Victorian registration fees. The program was estimated to represent about $750 million in forgone state revenue.
Drivers reviewing other transport expenses can learn about EV chargers planned for selected Coles locations, while households examining their finances may also want to check their mortgage offset accounts following previously identified bank errors.
Eligible motorists should submit an accurate application by July 31 and retain the confirmation email. Anyone who misses the deadline should not expect the rebate to be automatically applied to a future renewal.
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